USCIS Certification of Translation: Statement, Template and Required Wording
A USCIS translation is not complete simply because the foreign-language document has been translated into English. The translator must also provide a certification covering the completeness and accuracy of the translation and their competence to translate from the source language into English. This guide explains what that certification should contain, how to identify the translated document and how to avoid weak or ambiguous wording.
What should a USCIS translation certification include?
There is no benefit in making the statement complicated. The important point is that the certification directly addresses the requirements and clearly connects the translator with the translation being submitted.
Completeness
The statement should certify that the translation is complete, not merely that selected information was translated.
Accuracy
The translator should certify that the English version is an accurate translation of the foreign-language document.
Translator competence
The statement should confirm that the translator is competent to translate from the source language into English.
Document identification
The certification should identify the translated document, especially when several translations are included in one filing.
Example USCIS certification of translation
The following is a practical example of wording that addresses the core regulatory requirements. It is not an official USCIS form and should be adapted to the actual document, language pair and filing.
I certify that I am competent to translate from [SOURCE LANGUAGE] into English and that the attached translation of [DOCUMENT NAME / IDENTIFIER] is a complete and accurate translation of the original document to the best of my ability. Translator: [FULL NAME] Signature: ____________________ Date: [DATE] Contact details: [CONTACT INFORMATION]
The certification should identify the translation it covers
A certification becomes weaker if it says only that “the enclosed translations are accurate” without identifying which documents are included. USCIS administrative decisions have specifically criticized undated or blanket certifications that did not identify the relevant translations.
One document
Identify the document by name, document type or another clear description, for example “Birth Certificate of [Name]”.
Several documents
If one certification covers multiple translations, list the translated documents clearly instead of using vague wording such as “all attached documents”.
Separate certifications
A separate certification for each translated document can make the relationship between the source, translation and certification especially clear.
Why the word “complete” matters
USCIS decisions have rejected translation certifications that stated that translations were accurate but did not certify that they were complete. That distinction follows the wording of 8 C.F.R. § 103.2(b)(3), which expressly requires certification of both completeness and accuracy.
For the same reason, translating only the passages considered relevant by the applicant can create a problem. The underlying foreign-language document submitted to USCIS should be accompanied by a full English translation.
Does a USCIS certification of translation need to be notarized?
The general translation rule in 8 C.F.R. § 103.2(b)(3) does not itself require notarization. The essential general requirements are a full English translation, certification that it is complete and accurate, and certification that the translator is competent to translate from the source language into English.
A particular USCIS form, type of evidence or related procedure may have additional requirements. Always review the current filing instructions rather than assuming that notarization is either always required or never relevant.
USCIS translation certification checklist
- The translated document is identified clearly.
- The source language is stated or otherwise clear.
- The certification says that the English translation is complete.
- The certification says that the English translation is accurate.
- The translator certifies competence to translate from the source language into English.
- The translator is identified by name.
- The certification is signed and dated where appropriate for the chosen format.
- The source document, English translation and certification can be matched easily.
- The current USCIS form instructions have been checked before filing.
Professional translation for USCIS filings
Continue reading
Verify the current USCIS requirements before filing
This guide is informational and is not legal advice. USCIS filing requirements and individual form instructions can change.
USCIS Certification of Translation — Frequently Asked Questions
What is a USCIS certification of translation?
It is the translator's certification accompanying a full English translation submitted to USCIS. The translator certifies that the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English.
Does USCIS provide one mandatory certification template?
USCIS sets the substantive certification requirements, but the general regulation does not prescribe one universal wording or one mandatory template for every filing. The certification should clearly satisfy the applicable requirements and identify the translation it covers.
What wording should a USCIS translation certification include?
At minimum, the certification should state that the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate from the source language into English. It should also clearly identify the relevant translated document.
Can one certification cover several translated documents?
A single certification should not be vague. USCIS decisions have criticized blanket certifications that do not identify the translations they cover. If one certification is used for several documents, list them clearly so the relationship is unambiguous.
Does a USCIS translation certification have to be notarized?
The general translation rule in 8 C.F.R. § 103.2(b)(3) does not itself require notarization. Check the current instructions for the specific filing in case another formality applies.
Can the translator certify only that the translation is accurate?
That is risky. USCIS decisions have rejected certifications that addressed accuracy but did not state that the translation was complete. The certification should cover both completeness and accuracy.
Need a certified translation for USCIS?
Upload the foreign-language document and tell us it will be used in a USCIS filing. We can review the document, language pair and required delivery format before preparing a quote.